Nara Thai , greeted by the elegent owner Fiona, wonderful atmosphere , amazing decor, delicious food and good service . Try the Shrimp Tom Yum soup and their drunken noodles with beef is also wonderful !!
Nara Thai Kitchen, nestled in Irvine's serene Portola Parkway neighborhood, promises exquisite Thai fusion cuisine. My anticipation of savoring its flavors had been brewing for some time, yet the steep prices had previously deterred my indulgence. Today, fate intervened, and I joined my husband and a dear colleague for lunch, eager to explore the culinary offerings. Opting for the cashew nut chicken, the panang curry, and the yellow curry, we embarked on a journey of discovery as our taste buds savored each dish. Although the cashew nut chicken arrived with a milder touch than requested due to a minor slip-up, its essence remained intact. The chicken, delicately encased in a light batter, offered a delightful crunch that harmonized with the rich flavors, making every bite a pleasure to savor. The panang chicken curry, though ordered mild, surprised me with its fiery undertones, adding an unexpected kick to the dish. Yet, amidst the heat, the robust flavors of the curry shone through, leaving a lasting impression. Across the table, my friend reveled in the comforting embrace of the yellow curry, its aromatic blend of spices infusing each morsel of potato with a delectable essence. Her satisfaction echoed my own, affirming the culinary prowess of Nara Thai. However, as we reveled in the culinary delights, the reality of the bill sobered our enthusiasm. The bill for lunch at Nara Thai exceeded $100 for just three of us, including an appetizer and beverages. Despite its exceptional dining experiences, the restaurant is more suited for special occasions than casual visits. In conclusion, Nara Thai undoubtedly stands as a beacon of Thai cuisine excellence in Irvine. Its dishes tantalize the palate with flavors that leave a lasting impression. While I'd like to return, the high prices might mean I can only indulge occasionally. Financial constraints could make Nara Thai a place for special occasions rather than a regular hangout. Typically, I wouldn't consider spending $36.67 per person, excluding gratuity, for lunch, but on this occasion, I felt justified in indulging.
I had an excellent dining experience today at Nara Thai Kitchen! Great service, great food, wonderful ambience, and reasonable prices. Highly recommended.
This restaurant is terribly understaffed. There was only one frazzled server trying to do everything, when we came in on a slow night, 3,4 other tables were occupied. We had to sit with no water for 15 minutes before the harried waiter finally got to us. Then half the menu was unavailable because they were out of ingredients. Uncomfortably loud music makes it very difficult for us to hear each other talk.